The Government has laid before Parliament draft licence modifications which, subject to the Parliamentary process set out in the Energy Act 2008, makes provision for a reduced tariff rate (from 1 April, 2012 onwards) for new solar PV installations with an eligibility date on or after 3 March, 2012 under the Feed-in Tariffs scheme (FiTs).
Energy and Climate Change Minister Greg Barker said: 'I know this is a difficult time for the sector and I want to do as much as I can to end the current uncertainty created by the legal challenge.

'We must reduce the level of FITs for solar panels as quickly as possible, to protect consumer bills and to avoid bust in the whole Feed-in Tariff budget. We're appealing against the court ruling that's challenged our proposal for a December reference date. This remains our aim, and we are waiting for the judgment of the Court of Appeal. But this is too important for us to sit and do nothing while we wait. Today we're putting in place a contingency that will bring a 21p rate into effect from April for installations from 3 March.

'However, we are still pressing ahead with our appeal and if successful, we retain the option of introducing a December reference date. In the circumstances we believe this gives the industry as much certainty as is possible. And it puts us in a better position to protect the budget for everyone involved.'

Further information on the Government's response to this aspect of the FITs consultation, together with a summary of the relevant consultation responses, is also being published today on the Department for Energy and Climate Change's website .

The consultation closed on 23 December 2011 and over 2,000 consultation responses were received which we have been analysing carefully. The Government intends to announce the outcome of the consultation by 9 February, 2012, in time for any resulting legislative changes to come into effect from 1 April, 2012.

'Our aim is that this announcement will be accompanied by a set of reform proposals for the next phase of the comprehensive review of the FITs scheme, which will be the subject of a further consultation,' a government statement said.

Written Ministerial Statement by Chris Huhne.